PLATFORM TO HIGHLIGHT ICT APPLICATIONS AT WSIS

The Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation (SDC) and the Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP) are organising the "ICT for Development Platform" to show how information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can be used to reduce poverty and promote development.

The Platform, which runs from 09-13 December 2003, is one of the many events being organised at the WSIS in Geneva, Switzerland. The Platform has two components: an exhibit that will be held at Hall 4 at Palexpo, and the ICT4D Forum.

For five days in December, the exhibit "Connecting people for a better life" will present a broad range of practical projects, products and services from open-source software, to community radio, e-learning, agricultural information systems and Internet-supported networking. Visitors will find the most up-to-date information and the latest offers on almost every conceivable topic

"We want to create a common platform for the various players who are interested in the development dimension of ICT," says SDC Director-General Walter Fust. "It is intended to act as a market place for ideas to promote the exchange of knowledge and experience and at the same time serve as a catalyst for new and innovative partnerships and projects."

The ICT4D Forum programme, on the other hand, features around 40 panel discussions, workshops and special events where government leaders, ministers, captains of industry, ICT practitioners and NGO representatives will engage in lively debate about trends, prospects and strategies in the area of ICT for development.

Film presentations will round off the ICT4D Forum programme where documentaries dealing with interesting and unusual approaches to the subject of ICT for development will be shown daily.

An up-to-date list of exhibitors and conference programme are available at www.ict-4d.org

For more information, contact

Daniele Waldburger
Tel:. +41(0)79 248 7267
Fax +41(0)1 291 1262
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Websites: www.ict-4d.org; www.wsis-online.net/ict4d; www.deza.admin.ch; www.gkp.org

The ICT for Development Platform is conceived to complement and enrichment the political segment of WSIS. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the main event and in contrast to the summit, is open to the general public.

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